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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Richard Forrester

Schmeichel's comments on Pearson provide timely solace as Bristol City approach uncertain summer

After a weekend where Nigel Pearson called Bristol City "strange" surrounding the passiveness around the club, it raised fresh question marks around which direction the Robins go as we approach a crucial summer.

The manager would also raise a debate over his own future by emphasising the shake-up needed at the end of the season in terms of player recruitment despite admitting he has no money to spend.

"If I’m not here, whoever comes in has got the same problem and that is getting players to play," were Pearson's comments following the draw to Peterborough which ramped up the pressure on his shoulders.

Silence from the top is almost deafening, albeit not surprising, and it feels like the final five matches of the season could be telling on the decisions the Lansdown's need to make heading into the next campaign.

There's a notable divide between opinions on the future of the manager. His straight-talking nature and the fact he is not afraid to spell out home truths detailing the problems that need solving including the mentality behind the scenes certainly play in his favour.

Some are also sympathetic to his record which includes 14 wins in 57 matches with a win percentage of just below 25% due to the quality of players he has at his disposal and the difficulties he inherited.

Others aren't so consoling about the run of results this season with comments suggesting Pearson needs to take more responsibility for the results, performances and the defensive record which certainly doesn't need repeating.

Whichever way it's looked at, both are fair and valid arguments but it doesn't hide the fact that without points deductions City would be fighting for their lives sitting two points above the drop zone. What everyone can agree on is that without significant change in the summer, relegation could be a distinct possibility.

Pearson has highlighted the problem but whether he has the time and resources to find a solution remains up for debate.

Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel managed to provide a timely much-needed glimmer of solace recently that feels relatable to the position City finds themselves in at the moment in time.

Without going into what work Pearson did on the pitch as that remains irrelevant in the grand scheme of things, it's his comments surrounding the infrastructure that stood out the most.

Schmeichel's admiration for Pearson is far from a secret, the two had a special bond that helped take them to the Championship and Premier League before their heroic title season. He has often praised his old boss for his man-management skills and how he managed to get the best from his players with his personality.

Speaking on Ben Foster's Fozcast Podcast, he said: "The way he transformed Leicester was incredible and we are still reaping the rewards of that.

“The infrastructure he put in place, a lot of the people that worked behind the scenes at Leicester are still the same people that Nigel brought in. I think it’s really underrated how much he is a part of what Leicester is today.”

Judging from Pearson's comments regarding the change needed, it's obvious he's trying to implement a similar strategy but how much his hands are tied by the powers that be above - only he knows.

What is clear is that it is likely to take years to iron out the issues that are deep-rooted in the decisions and mistakes that have been brought to light by Pearson as we approach the end of the season.

It's a change in tact from the manager from two months ago when City crashed to a 3-1 defeat at Swansea as he delivered a damning criticism of his players. One quote he said: "This football club has had too long putting up with players that are just going through the motions at times."

The development from criticising the players to taking fire at the powers that be is a brave and bold move and one which has made this summer all the more ominous for everyone involved at the club.

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